Woman whose car plunged into canal dies

October 25, 2012

A Cape Coral woman who was hospitalized about two weeks ago after her vehicle struck another in her path and was forced into a canal died Friday, Oct. 19.

Officials reported Thursday that Gilian Crosdale, 63, died at Cape Coral Hospital, where she was taken Oct. 10. She had been listed in critical.

At about 7:52 a.m., Crosdale was traveling south on Andalusia Boulevard in a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. A 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Madison C. Schiel, was headed westbound on Northeast 12th Street.

At the intersection of Andalusia, Schiel, 18, of Punta Gorda, turned south and entered the right-of-way of Crosdale, police officials reported. Crosdale tried to veer to the right to avoid the collision, but she was unsuccessful.

The Hyundai's front left side struck the passenger's side of the Toyota.

The Hyundai was forced to the southwest and traveled about 100 feet, across a vacant field and into the canal, according to officials. The impact of the crash forced the Toyota to the east and it came to a stop in a field.

Cape firefighters entered the canal and removed Crosdale from the Hyundai. The vehicle had been submerged for about 10 minutes prior to her removal.

Crosdale, who was unresponsive, was transported to the hospital.

Schiel had minor injuries, and was treated at the hospital and released.